CN109070478A

CN109070478A - Construct containers

Info

Publication number: CN109070478A
Application number: CN201680080208.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·尼古劳; 马克·莫罗斯; 泽维尔·阿隆索; 伊斯梅尔·昌克隆
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2016-05-12
Filing date: 2016-05-12
Publication date: 2018-12-21
Also published as: WO2017194148A1; EP3397456A1; US20190061252A1

Abstract

A kind of 3D printing building containers (91) is provided.The container includes reservoir, building material outlet structure (913) and the external structure (94) around reservoir setting.The reservoir is for keeping building material.The building material outlet structure leaves reservoir for allowing to construct material.The export structure forms the outer surface of container, and including the recess portion (941) in outer surface.The recess supports export structure (913).

Description

Construct containers

Background technique

The increases material manufacturing technology of such as three-dimensional (3D) printing is related to for being made by increasing material technique according to digital 3D model The technology of 3D object with almost arbitrary shape successively generates 3D object in increasing material technique under the control of the computer.It has opened Send out increases material manufacturing technology various, the difference is that building material, deposition technique and the mistake for forming 3D object according to building material Journey.These technical scopes can be melted from ultraviolet light to the hemicrystalline thermoplastic material to powder type is applied to light-cured resin Melt, until the electron beam melting of metal powder.

Increasing material manufacturing technique normally starts from the digital representation of 3D object to be manufactured.The digital representation is soft by computer Part is virtually sliced into multilayer, or can be provided with pre-cut sheets format.Every layer represents the section of desired object, and is sent out It is sent to the increasing material manufacturing equipment for being known as 3D printer in some cases, is constructed at this based on preparatory structure layer.Weight Thus the multiple process successively constructs object until completing object.However, some direct printed materials of available technology, other technologies It is formed using re-coating technique and increases layer, increased layer and then optionally solidified, to generate the new section of object.

The building material of manufacture object can change according to manufacturing technology, and may include dusty material, creamy material, slurry Shape material or liquid material.Building material is normally provided in source container, and building material holds from source is passed to increasing material manufacturing The building region or building room of equipment, occur practical manufacture herein.

Detailed description of the invention

According to subsequent detailed description and will be obvious in conjunction with attached drawing, attached drawing only passes through to be shown the various feature and advantage of the disclosure Example mode illustrates the feature of the disclosure jointly, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is the exemplary diagrammatic side view for constructing containers.

Fig. 2 is the exemplary schematic diagram for constructing material outlet structure.

Fig. 3 A is the exemplary diagrammatic side view for constructing containers.

Fig. 3 B is the diagrammatic top view of the example building containers of Fig. 3 A.

Fig. 4 A is across building another exemplary schematic cross-section of containers.

Fig. 4 B is the diagrammatic top view of the example building containers of Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 4 C is the diagrammatic side view of the example building containers of Fig. 4 A.

Fig. 5 is another exemplary perspective view for constructing containers.

Fig. 7 A is another exemplary diagrammatic side view for constructing containers.

Fig. 7 B is the diagrammatic top view of the example building containers of Fig. 7 A.

Fig. 7 A is the diagrammatic side view of one group of example building containers in relatively flat construction.

Fig. 7 B is the diagrammatic side view of this group of example building containers in Fig. 7 A using construction.

Fig. 8 A is the perspective view of another example building containers in relatively flat construction.

Fig. 8 B is the partial perspective view of the example building containers in Fig. 7 A using construction.

Fig. 8 C is the perspective view for being used to form a piece of examples material of example reinforcement structure.

Fig. 9 is the perspective view of another example building containers.

Figure 10 A is the perspective view of another example building containers.

Figure 10 B is the perspective view of the example building containers of Fig. 9 A.

Figure 11 is the perspective view of another example building containers.

Figure 12 is the schematic diagram of the example building containers used with example 3D printing system.

Figure 13 is the flow chart that the exemplary method of 3D printing system will be supplied to for will construct material from container.

Figure 14 is the flow chart for removing the exemplary method of building material from container.

Specific embodiment

Increases material manufacturing technology can be used to generate three-dimension object.Each section product of material pantostrat can be constructed by solidifying Body.Powder can be based on by constructing material, and the characteristic of object generated may depend on the type and curing type of building material.One In a little examples, the solidification of dusty material is realized using liquid flux.It, can be by interim to building material in further example Apply energy and realizes solidification.In some examples, flux and/or binder are applied to building material, wherein flux is when to structure The combination of construction material and flux makes to construct material molten and cured material when applying the energy of appropriate amount.In other examples, Other building materials and other curing methods can be used.In some examples, building material include creamy material, slurry material or Liquid material.The present disclosure describes for accommodating building material and building material being sent to the source container of increasing material manufacturing technique Example.

In one example, the building material in disclosure container is powder, the averga cross section based on volume having Particle diameter size is between about 5 to about 400 microns, between about 10 to about 200 microns, about 15 to about Between 120 microns or between about 20 to about 70 microns.The suitable average grain diameter range based on volume its His example includes about 5 to about 70 microns, or about 5 to about 35 microns.In the disclosure, the particle ruler based on volume Very little is the size for the ball for having same volume with powder particle." average " is intended to explain most of particles based on volume in container Size has above-mentioned size or size range, but container can also accommodate the particle of diameter outside the above range.For example, particle ruler It is very little be selected as in order to thickness possessed by being distributed between about 10 to about 500 microns or about 10 to big Layers of build material between about 200 microns or between about 15 to about 150 microns.One of increasing material manufacturing system shows Example can be pre-arranged, and to have about 80 microns of layers of build material using building containers distribution, which holds Device accommodates powder of the average grain diameter based on volume between about 40 to about 70 microns.For example, increasing material manufacturing equipment It can be reset, to be distributed different thickness degree.

The suitable building material based on powder for disclosure example container includes at least one following: polymer, It is crystalline plastic, hemicrystalline plastics, polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), acronitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), amorphous Plastics, polyvinyl alcohol plastics (PVA), polyamide, thermoplasticity (thermosetting) plastics, resin, transparent powder, color powder, metal powder At least two combination in end, such as ceramic powders of glass particle, and/or these materials or other materials, wherein this Combination may include the different materials in respective variable grain made of different materials or single composite particles.Mixing building material The example of material include may include aluminium and polyamide mixture aluminium filled nylon, pleochroism powder and plastics/ceramic mixture.It is mixed Closing building material may include the corresponding average particle size particle size of two or more differences.

The building material of particular batch in increasing material manufacturing technique can be " newly " building material or " used " structure Construction material.New building material should be considered as being not used for the building material in the arbitrary portion of increasing material manufacturing technique, and/or previously Without any portion of building material of 3D printing system.Such as construct the building material source of material maker supply not broken a seal Thus accommodate new building material.On the contrary, used building material has been supplied to the 3D printing system for increasing material manufacturing technique System.All building materials for being not supplied to the 3D printing system for increasing material manufacturing technique, which can be used and/or be merged into 3D, to be beaten In printing product.At least some not used building materials for being supplied to the 3D printing system for increasing material manufacturing technique may be adapted to It is reused in subsequent increasing material manufacturing technique.Such building material includes used building material.

Compared with other container examples disclosed herein, some example containers of the disclosure may be adapted to accommodate opposite large volume Building material.Some example containers may include the feature for ensuring container and being easy to accumulate, store, transport, handle or refill. In occupied state, this example container should accommodate relatively large volume of building material.Some example containers of the disclosure can be matched It is set to and is readily transported the container in the state that is not filled by.Some example containers are applicable to receive and store to be supplied to and be used for The 3D printing system of increasing material manufacturing technique and the used building material returned are additionally or alternatively suitable for new building Material supply is to 3D printing system.Some example containers of the disclosure can be convenient for the building material for for example passing through 3D printing system to supply System is answered to effectively remove the building material being contained in these containers.Some this example containers for example may include that ensure can be calm Device removal is most of or all constructs the feature of material.This example container may include that cannot be supplied by building material for reducing Answer the feature of the amount for the building material that system removes from container, such as this is because building material adhere to container inner surface or Person's other modes cannot reach building material supply system.

Example container below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 B description includes convenient for effectively removing the one of building material from these containers A or multiple features.

Fig. 1 illustrates the exemplary schematic elevational view for being supplied to the container 1 of increasing material manufacturing technique for that will construct material 1. Container 1 is illustrated as in straight orientation, this expection for corresponding to container uses orientation.Container 1, which can be interchangeable source, to be held Device 1, which is connected to increasing material manufacturing system in the state of at least partly filling so that the increasing material manufacturing system can be from Container 1 collects building material, and the source container 1 is to be removed after application, so as to by the second class filled with building material It is replaced like container.Therefore container can be considered to be 3D printing building containers.In one example, building material is, for example, to have There is the powder of type and/or particle size as described above.

Container 1 includes the collapsible reservoir 3 for keeping building material 11.Container 1 further comprises relatively rigid Reinforcement structure, at least one reinforcing section for resisting reservoir collapses.Container 1 further comprises for allowing to construct Material 11 leaves the building material outlet structure 13 of reservoir 3；And for allowing gas (such as air) to enter reservoir 3 Gas inlet arrangements 14.

Reservoir 3 may include bag, and the one or several parts that this bag is for example molded of plastic material are formed.Reservoir 3 can Including one or several walls.Constructing material 11 can include by the wall of reservoir 3.Reservoir 3 is collapsible relative to reinforcement structure 4 's.Reservoir 3 is intended at least partly collapse during using container 1.In the context of the disclosure, collapsing for structure can be considered It is related to the volume surrounded by structure or occupied reduction.Reservoir 3 can be formed at least partly by flexible material.In some examples In, reservoir 3 is relatively flexible.In one example, relative flexibility (about material) be understood to allow material bending and/ Or bending.Flexible material or compound can be springy (for example, PE) or inelastic (for example, mylar).One In a example, flexible and elastic material, which has, is less than about 1*10⁹N/m²GPa is less than about 0.3*10⁹N/m²The Young of GPa Modulus.In one example, relatively rigid or inelastic wall material, which has, is greater than about 1*10⁹N/m²The Young's modulus of GPa.

The material for forming reservoir 3 can have pre-selected elasticity, such as be intended to the specific side using container 1 according to it Formula is selected.It is being intended to using suction system from the example that container 2 removes building material 11, reservoir material can have low Elasticity (for example, being low enough to that the stretching, extension of reservoir material will not or seldom occur during suction system operates) and high tensile are strong It spends (for example, 25Mpa).The material for forming reservoir 3 can be airtight (it is, gas cannot be penetrated, so as to by suction system Use the wall cannot pass through reservoir 3 from the air of container removal building material or other any gases).In some examples In, reservoir 3 is at least partly molded of plastic material, such as PE, thin-walled PET, mylar etc..In some instances, it stores up Storage is formed by the lamination of a kind of or several material (for example, PET and LDPE).In some instances, reservoir material is selected It is selected as that it is made to be elastic (for example, sufficiently resilient will not rupture falling under occupied state), does not absorb water from environment Point, and it is firm enough, thus for example when applying suction force to remove building material from container 3, reservoir material will not become Shape is more than the amount of selection.Reservoir 3 can be formed by low cost, the material that can be abandoned and/or can be recycled.

The material property (for example, flexibility, elasticity etc.) of reservoir 3 can be selected so that, when for removing structure from container 1 When system (for example, suction system) operation of construction material, reservoir uses collapse part form.For example, the storage of given reservoir Storage material can be sufficiently flexible, to apply because of the building material removal system for being intended for removing building material 11 from reservoir Suction and it is collapsible.The material property of reservoir 3 can be selected so that, during removing building material from container, when When retaining the building material 11 of threshold quantity in container 3, reservoir uses collapse part form.Reservoir can be configured to (for example, Because of its material property, shape, construction etc.), during removing building material from container 1, realized when between the inside and outside of reservoir 3 When threshold pressure differential, reservoir uses collapse part form.In some instances, the material of reservoir 3 is chosen to, During removing building material 11 from container 1, reservoir 3 gradually changes between form and collapse part form not collapsing.One In a little examples, the material property of reservoir 3 is chosen to, and during removing building material 11 from container 1, reservoir 3 exists Quick or instantaneous transition between form of not collapsing and collapse part form.This quick or instantaneous transition can to collapse part form Help to take out any building material 11 for loosely adhering to reservoir wall inner surface, and/or contributes to form in building material The rupture of arbitrary structures in 11.

Reservoir 3 can have pre-selected shape, for example, the specific expected use according to container 1 is selected.Example Such as, if specific expection use has size and/or structure constraint to container 1, the shape of reservoir 3 can be selected as at this The inner volume of reservoir 3 is maximized in a little restriction ranges.The shape of reservoir 3 can be selected as facilitating using specific removal System removes building material 11 from reservoir 3.The shape of reservoir 3 can be selected as the folding for example convenient for reservoir, thus Reservoir can be transported before being integrated into container 1 with the folded state of substantially flat.Reservoir 3 may include overall shape (at least under the occupied state and non-collapsed state of reservoir 3) section different from each other, such as the section and non-converging of convergence Section.The section of convergence may include the side wall assembled towards container base.For example, reservoir 3 shown in FIG. 1 includes non-converging Upper curtate 5 and assemble lower curtate 7.Reservoir may include the section with funnel shaped.The section of non-converging may include to At least one side that few substantially vertical under the occupied state and non-collapsed state of reservoir (relative to orientation is used) extends Wall.At least one substantially vertical side wall can be at least one rounding wall, or can be with straight corner part or rounded corners portion shape It is rectangular, the (not shown) in terms of top view.The example reservoir 3 of certain illustrated shown in FIG. 1 has substantially vertical by four The upper curtate 5 formed of side wall 19 and the lower curtate 7 that is formed of side wall 21 assembled by four.Upper curtate 5 is cube, lower curtate 7 be cone.Side wall 19,21 respectively includes the part being molded of plastic material, and in its edge in conjunction with air-locked to be formed Bag structure.

The side wall (for example, side wall 19) of the reservoir section of non-converging is intended to substantially erect in the use orientation of container 1 Straight, such as the manufacturing tolerance due to reservoir, draft angle, heat cure or other reasons may not be perfect vertical.For example, At least one substantially vertical side wall 19 may be slightly slanted, such as with the angle [alpha] of horizontal line H about in 85 to 95 degree Between, or can have the shape of slightly protruding (inwardly or outwardly).Angle between horizontal line H and relatively upright side wall 19 α is greater than the angle beta between the side wall 21 and horizontal line H of lower curtate 7.Moreover, because being collapsible according to each exemplary reservoir , the generally vertical side wall of reservoir may not be straight or vertical according to the state of container 1.For example, example reservoir 3 To be folded under dummy status, side wall 19,21 is to be bent during removing building material from container 3.

In addition, reservoir wall may include fold, curvature, protrusion, one wave part etc..Under some examples, reservoir 3 is extremely A few side wall can be greater than the corresponding side wall of reinforcement structure 4 at least one size.It is lower in the elasticity of reservoir material Example in, this feature can make at least one side wall of reservoir 3 mobile relative to reinforcement structure 4.In such examples, It will be recognized that in the occupied state of container 1, the larger size of at least one side wall can for example by reservoir 3 at least Fold, protrusion or other non-flat forms features are formed in one side wall and are adapted to.

At least one reinforcing section of reservoir may include at least one wall part of reservoir.Selection at least one can be preselected The one or several attributes (for example, size, shape, position) of a reinforcing section.At least one reinforcing section may make, work as storage Pressure in device 3 makes reservoir 3 collapse when being sufficiently lower than the pressure outside reservoir 3, reservoir uses collapse part form.? In some examples, collapse part form is predetermined.For example, the one or several attributes of collapse part form are (for example, ruler Very little, construction, volume) it is determined in advance.In some instances, predetermined collapse part form will be for that will be included in reservoir In building material guide the selected location to reservoir.For example, can be based on the structure that will be used to remove building material from container 1 The construction of construction material removal system selects the position.In some instances, it when container, which is in, is expected using orientation, predefines The minimum point of collapse part form correspond roughly to following positions, during using container, will be gone in the position from reservoir Except building material will be will to construct material supply to 3D printing system.By the one or more for selecting at least one reinforcing section Attribute, the shape by selecting reservoir 3 and/or construction, the shape by selecting reinforcement structure 4 and/or construction, and/or logical The one or several material properties for crossing selection reservoir 3, can produce predetermined collapse part form.

Reinforcement structure 4 may include the arbitrary structures collapsed for being suitable for resisting at least one reinforcement structure of reservoir 3.Add Strong structure 4 is firm relative to reservoir 3, although container 1 may include the other component firmer than reinforcement structure 4.It is firm Material, which is understood to resist, collapses, and can also resist bending and/or stretching, extension or any other variant.Reinforce knot Structure 4 will not collapse during using container 1, therefore can be considered to be not collapsible (although it is recognized that using container 1 Period is noticeably greater than the estimated external force born by reinforcement structure by applying, and reinforcement structure may collapse).In some examples In, reinforcement structure 4 is used to prevent or limit movement of at least one reinforcing section of reservoir 3 relative to reinforcement structure.

Reinforcement structure 4 can by least one reinforcing section that (for example, utilizing glue, fastener etc.) is attached to reservoir 3 Resist collapsing at least one reinforcing section.Reservoir include non-converging upper curtate 5 and assemble lower curtate 7 it is some In this example, upper curtate 5 forms at least one reinforcing section.In the substantially vertical side wall that upper curtate includes two pairs of opposing Some this examples in, the substantially vertical side wall of two pairs of opposing be collectively formed reservoir 3 have it is generally square or The region of rectangular section, at least one reinforcing section include in pairs of opposed side walls and the first opposite side of reservoir attachment Wall, so that first pair of collapsing for opposed side walls is resisted by reinforcement structure 4, and the second of non-attached storage collapses to opposed side walls Contracting is not resisted by reinforcement structure 4, or is resisted to lesser extent.It include having generally vertical long axis (opposite in reservoir 3 Use orientation in expected) cylindrical body some examples in, at least one reinforcing section includes the periphery of cylindrical body, can be Top/bottom latitude is to be spaced apart.

In some instances, reinforcement structure 4 includes box-like or other forms container, surrounding portion or whole reservoirs 3.Reinforcement structure 4 may include at least one side wall.In other examples, reinforcement structure 4 may include frame or skeleton.Show some In example, reinforcement structure 4 may include band or ring or more than one band or ring.Reinforcement structure 4 may be provided on reservoir 3 it is outer, In the inner space of reservoir 3, or it can be integrated into the structure of reservoir 3 (for example, reinforcement structure 4 may be provided on storage Between each layer of the lamination wall material of storage 3).In some instances, reinforcement structure 4 can be used for providing in addition to resisting reservoir One or several functions except the bending of pre-selected wall part.For example, reinforcement structure 4 can protect reservoir 3, convenient for appearance The accumulation of device 1, the operation convenient for container 1, the outer profile for generating container 1 etc..Reinforcement structure 4 can by such as cardboard it is low at Originally, the material that can be abandoned and/or can be recycled is formed.The shape and/or construction of reinforcement structure 4 can be used for for example convenient for reinforcement The folding of structure, so that reinforcement structure 4 can be before being integrated into container 1 with the folding of substantially flat (for example, flat packaging) State is transported.The shape and/or construction of reinforcement structure 4 can be for example convenient for the foldings of container 1, so that container 1 can fill Have and is transported before building material with the folded state of substantially flat.

Reinforcement structure 4 can have for example according to the specific expected using determining predetermined shape and/or structure of container 1 It makes.In some instances, the shape of reinforcement structure and/or construction are determined according to the shape and/or construction of reservoir 3.Add The shape and/or construction of strong structure 4 can be confirmed as cooperating with the shape of reservoir 3 and/or construction, the pressure in reservoir 3 Power is enough lower than the pressure outside reservoir so that reservoir 3 makes reservoir 3 use predetermined collapse part form when collapsing.

Predetermined collapse part form may be structured to the building material 11 that will be received in reservoir 3 guidance to storage Preselected position in storage is (for example, structure can be removed from the position by removing system by the building material of such as suction system Construction material).In some instances, there is predetermined collapse part form minimum point (to use orientation when container is in expected When), which corresponds to following positions, using during container, will remove building material from container in the position so as to will Material supply is constructed to 3D printing system.In some instances, predetermined collapse part form makes the wall of reservoir 3 simultaneously It does not include any composition (for example, folding part or notch portion) for carrying building material secretly.Additionally or alternatively, in some examples In, predetermined collapse part form makes the wall of the lower part 7 of reservoir 3 be not included any horizontal properties or region.Tool There is the volume of the reservoir of collapse part form can be essentially identical (for example, reservoir can with the volume of reservoir when not collapsing Deformation is without significantly changing volume).Alternatively, the volume of the reservoir with collapse part form can be storage when not collapsing At least the 80% of the volume of storage.

Intact building material 11 is compressible for some time in container 1 and/or is formed when hope is gone from container 1 The building free-moving structure of material is prevented when except building material.The power applied by building material removal system, such as suction system The suction that system is formed, for making these structure breakings may be without effect, so that building material cannot be completely removed from container 1. The never form of collapsing of reservoir 3 is converted to collapse part form and can help to make to construct the structure breaking in material.It can be used pre- First determining collapse part form, in order to construct this rupture of structure in material.

In the shown example of Fig. 1, reinforcement structure 4 includes the box of open-top, and there are four generally vertical side walls for tool And the substrate of basic horizontal.The side wall of reinforcement structure 4 is adjacent to the outer surface of the side wall 19 of the upper curtate 5 of reservoir 3, simultaneously There are space between the side wall 21 and the side wall of reinforcement structure of the lower curtate 7 of reservoir (due to the convergent shape of lower curtate 7). The height of reinforcement structure 4 is substantially equal to the height of reservoir 3 (although reinforcement structure is higher than or short other examples in reservoir 3 It is also possible).The shape of the shape of reinforcement structure 4 and construction and the upper curtate of reservoir 3 and construct roughly the same (at least exist When reservoir is in occupied state), to not have before the side wall 19 of upper curtate 5 and the side wall of reinforcement structure 4 of reservoir 3 Gap or the gap for having very little.

The opposed pairs side wall 19 of the upper curtate 5 of reservoir 3 is glued to the respective side walls of reinforcement structure 4, thus by It prevents mobile relative to reinforcement structure 4.Other two side walls 19 of the upper curtate 5 of reservoir 3 are not attached to reinforcement structure 4, Thus moved freely (in the constraint that the connection of itself and the side wall for being attached to reinforcement structure 4 is applied) relative to reinforcement structure 4. Therefore, the side wall not being attached can be considered as opposite can moving freely (it is, its relative to cannot free-moving attachment side Wall moves freely).Gas around container 1 can pass through between at least part and reinforcement structure 4 of reservoir 3, for example, It passes through between the upper curtate side wall 19 not being attached and the corresponding side wall of reinforcement structure 4, and in lower curtate side wall 21 and reinforces It is passed through between the side wall of structure 4.The basal part 9 of the lower curtate 7 of reservoir 3 is glued to the substrate of reinforcement structure 4, is thus prevented It is only mobile relative to reinforcement structure 4.In the example shown, the side wall 21 of the lower curtate 7 of reservoir 3 is not attached to reinforcement structure 4, it is moved freely relative to reinforcement structure 4 (opposite).

The export structure 13 of container 1 may include that the inner space of reservoir 3 is connected to opening for 3 exterior space of reservoir Mouthful.Although the major function of export structure 13 is to leave into reservoir 3 for allowing to construct material, in some instances, outlet Structure 13 can also be used to that building material be allowed to enter reservoir 3.In the example illustrated in figure 1, export structure 13 is provided at container 1 Top side 15 in or its near.Export structure 13 may be adapted to be connected to the corresponding collection for collecting building material from container 1 Equipment.This collecting device can be a part of increasing material manufacturing system.In specific example shown in Fig. 1, export structure packet Suction tube 17 is included, the position at the least significant end of reservoir 3 or near it is extended downward into the inner space of reservoir 3. Export structure 13 may include activatable valve gear, pass through the knot for building material to be restricted or prevented when being in closed structure Structure allows to construct when being in open configuration material across the structure.

Fig. 2 shows the specific example of the export structure of 171 form of suction tube.Suction tube 171 includes connector 172, is used for It is sealingly attached to the top of the reservoir (for example, reservoir 3) of building containers (for example, container 1).172 energy of connector It is connected further to vacuum source, for example, the suction system of increasing material manufacturing system.Suction tube 317 further comprises body section 173.The upper end of body section 173 (relative to expection user's locator qualification of suction tube, as shown in Figure 2) is connected to connector 172.Body section 173 includes hollow cylinder.The opening that connector 173 limits can be with the internal fluid communication of body section 173. The lower end of body section 173 includes at least one of inner space for entering body section 173 opening 174.Body section 173 length may make, when suction tube when in use, at least one opening 174 is located at the lower end or in its vicinity of reservoir.When When suction tube is connected to vacuum source, the building material from reservoir can enter body section 173 by least one opening 174 Inside, be drawn up along body section 173, and thus can leave container via connector 172.In some instances, it takes out At least part of of reservoir that suction pipe 171 can be used for resisting the container for being provided with suction tube collapses.In this example In, suction tube can be considered as forming a part of the reinforcement structure of container.Alternatively, suction tube 171 can be considered as including holding The additional reinforcement structure of device.

Entrance structure 14 may include the opening that the inner space of reservoir 3 is connected to 3 exterior space of reservoir.Although entering The major function of mouth structure 14 is for allowing gas into reservoir 3, and in some instances, entrance structure 317 can also be used in Gas is allowed to leave reservoir 3.In the example illustrated in figure 1, entrance structure 14 be provided in the top side 15 of container 1 or near. Parameter (the example that entrance structure 14 can be used for limiting or otherwise control enters and/or leave the gas flowing of reservoir 3 Such as, flow rate, flow).In some instances, entrance structure 14 includes filter.In some instances, entrance structure 14 includes Valve.In some instances, entrance structure 14 can be used for allowing to construct material and enter reservoir 3.For example, building material 11 can make Reservoir 3 is introduced in container 1 material supply will be constructed to passing through entrance structure 14 before increasing material manufacturing system, and Using container 1 to construct material supply to during increasing material manufacturing system, air can enter reservoir by entrance structure 14 3。

Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B show the example container 1 of Fig. 1 in use state, the pressure in use state, reservoir 3 It is enough lower than the pressure outside reservoir 3, reservoir collapse part due to the pressure difference.Fig. 3 A is the side view of container 1, and Fig. 3 B is to hold The top view of device 1.Such as pressure difference can be generated by being connected to the vacuum source (not shown) of the offer suction F of export structure 13.From Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B as it can be seen that the part for being not attached to reinforcement structure 4 of reservoir 3 (for example, the side of the side wall 21 of lower part 7 and top 5 Wall 19) inwardly in arciform, to generate gap between these parts and reinforcement structure 4 of reservoir 3.On the contrary, reservoir 3 Be attached to reinforcement structure 4 part (for example, the side wall 19 on top 5) be prevented from suction F under the influence of move.

Fig. 4 A, Fig. 4 B and Fig. 4 C show another example container 41.Fig. 4 B is the top view of container 41, and Fig. 4 C is side view, Fig. 4 A is the section by the line X-X on Fig. 4 B.Container 41 includes reservoir 43, reinforcement structure 44, export structure 413 and entrance Structure 414 can have any or all feature of the counter structure of said vesse 1.In the example container 41 of particular instantiation, Reinforcement structure 44 includes cube frame formed by multiple relatively rigid bar sections.In specific example, reinforcement structure 44 with (for example, by the way that bar section to be arranged between each layer of reservoir material) is integrally formed in the material of reservoir 43.Including bar area Therefore the part of the reservoir of section can be considered to be the reinforcing section of reservoir 43.In other examples, frame may be provided at storage In or beyond storage 43, and reservoir material can be such as by being attached to frame glue, fastener.(therefore in occupied state Do not collapse) the shape of reservoir indicate that and the shape of bag is indicated by dotted line 43a when reservoir collapse part by solid line 43b. From Fig. 4 A as it can be seen that reservoir 43 collapse part state, the part that do not reinforced by structure 44 of reservoir 43 relative to It is at the form of non-collapsed state and position moved inward/it is arched.The shape of frame and the reservoir part of reinforcement Position cooperation, to generate collapse part form comprising the top that do not assembled in the height on top and the height in lower part The lower part assembled on degree towards the substrate of container.

Applicable work can be any compared with other container examples described herein for the specific example of the container 41 of Fig. 4 A- figure C Handle droppable container.For example, providing the reinforcement structure of frame form integrally formed with reservoir, container can be enable It extremely manufactures to cost effective, and/or is easy recycling or is otherwise abandoned.Moreover, reinforcement structure is in these examples In can be fabricated to special light weight, this can help to be transported when container is empty.

Fig. 5 shows the perspective view of another example container 51.Container 51 includes reservoir 53, reinforcement structure 54, export structure 513 and entrance structure 514, there can be any or all feature of the counter structure of said vesse 1.In the example of particular instantiation In, export structure 513 includes the controlled lid 513a that can be used for selectively closing off export structure 513.It will be recognized that alternatively Other kinds of closure can be used.In the example container 51 of particular instantiation, reservoir 53 includes cube top and cone Lower part, the shape of reinforcement structure 54 and the shape of reservoir 53 are almost the same.Thus reinforcement structure 54 includes encapsulation reservoir 53 Box.Reinforcement structure 54 is formed by monolithic card board material.One side wall of reinforcement structure 54 includes window 55, which for example may be used Allow visually to determine the level of the building material in reservoir 53.In the specific example, essentially all reservoir material It is transparent, although in other examples, the part of reservoir material not corresponding with the position of window 55 can be opaque.It is wrapping In the example for including window 55, it can be by the visible at least part reservoir material of window transparent.A pair of reservoir 53 is right Set the correspondence side wall that side wall (in upper and lower part) is attached to reinforcement structure 54 by fastener 511.Other sides of reservoir 53 Wall is not attached to reinforcement structure 54.The side wall not being attached is slightly wider than the correspondence side wall of reinforcement structure 54, to allow these not The side wall of attachment is mobile relative to reinforcement structure 54.In this example, the elasticity of reservoir material is lower, thus, additional width Degree makes the side wall of reservoir 53 not being attached is for example separate under the influence of suction system is applied to the suction of export structure 513 to add The correspondence side wall of strong structure 54 bends inwards.

Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B are the side view and top view of another example container 61 respectively.Container 61 is shown in use State, the pressure in the state, the reservoir 63 of container 61 are sufficiently lower than the pressure outside reservoir 63, and reservoir 63 is because of the pressure Difference and collapse part.Container 61 includes reservoir 63, reinforcement structure 64, export structure 613 and entrance structure 614, can be had Any or all feature of the counter structure of said vesse 1.In the example container 61 of particular instantiation, reinforcement structure 64 includes circle Column bucket.This barrel is formed by relatively rigid plastic material.Reservoir 63 includes being formed by the material of relative flexibility and relative resilient Bag.The bag opens at one end, and the edge of open end is sealingly attached to the side wall of bucket in the top end of bucket.Reservoir 63 because This is limited by bag and by top/wall of bucket.The elasticity of bag material makes, and when container is filled building material, bag, which is deferred to, to be added The shape of strong structure 64.When container is filled building material, bag material can be stretched relative to default unstretched condition.Place Indicated in the shape of the bag of filling (therefore not collapsing) state by dotted line 63b, and when reservoir collapse part bag shape by Solid line 63a is indicated.The circumferential part (for example, passing through glue) of narrow (total height relative to reservoir) of the bag portion of reservoir 63 is attached To reinforcement structure 64.The central portion of the lower end of bag is also attached to the substrate wall of reinforcement structure 64.

The material for forming bucket in this example is airtight.Therefore, in order to allow reservoir be not attached partially away from bucket Wall it is mobile so that reservoir 63 uses collapse part form, container includes another gas inlet arrangements 615, with allow gas into Enter the space between reservoir and external structure.Another gas inlet arrangements 615 can be used for that gas is selectively allowed for enter Space between reservoir and external structure.Another gas inlet arrangements 615 are provided in the side wall of reinforcement structure 64, are leaned on The top of nearly container.The circumferential part of the attachment of reservoir bag around the circumference of bucket and discontinuous, thus gas can reservoir with Upper space (that is, space of the upper of attachment) between reinforcement structure and the lower part between reservoir and reinforcement structure are empty Between (that is, attachment beneath portions space) between pass through.It include that other of complete and continuous circumference show in the part of attachment In example, it is possible to provide additional another gas inlet arrangements, to allow gas into lower space.

From Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B as it can be seen that reservoir 63 collapse part state, reservoir 63 is not attached to reinforcement structure 64 part (that is, side wall 619 of the side wall 621 of lower part 67 and top 65) moved inward/and it is arched, thus in reservoir 63 These parts and reinforcement structure 64 between generate gap.Moreover, storage material has stretched, so that the part not being attached has been adopted Use curve form.Therefore reservoir deforms when with collapse part form relative to default conditions.The elasticity of reservoir material Cooperate with the position of reinforcing section, to generate collapse part form comprising the top do not assembled in the height on top and The lower part assembled in the height of lower part towards the substrate of container.

The specific example of the container 61 of Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B is applicable to accommodate compared with other container examples described herein Relatively great amount of building material.Moreover, example container 61 is applicable to receive and store used building material, the used structure Construction material has been supplied to the 3D printing system for increasing material manufacturing technique and return.Alternatively or additionally, container can fit For by new building material supply to 3D printing system.

Some example containers of the disclosure can be used for facilitating container of the transport in the state that is not filled by.Some this examples Container for example may include following characteristics: compared with the use of container construction, these features allow container with relatively flat and/or to account for It is transported according to the construction of relatively smaller volume.These example containers may include facilitating container from the construction of relatively flat again It is configured to the feature using construction.It include facilitating freight department in being not filled by below with reference to example container described in Fig. 7 A to Fig. 8 B The one or several features of the container of state.

Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B are the side views of the arrangement of six example containers 71.Each container 71 can be interchangeable source container 71, increasing material manufacturing system is connected under at least partly occupied state for source container 71 so that the increasing material manufacturing system can be from container 71 collect building material, and the source container 71 is stayed in after being finished building material and removed, so as to by filled with building material Second or another like container replacement.Therefore each container 71 can be considered as 3D printing building containers.In an example In, building material is, for example, the powder with type and/or particle size as described above.

Each container 71 can have same design.Alternatively, container 71 can have different designs.Include to constant volume device 71 For accommodating the reservoir of building material.Container 71 further comprises being attached to the reinforcement of reservoir at least one selected location Structure.At least one portion that reinforcement structure can be used for resisting the reservoir when container is in using construction is collapsed.Reservoir It with reinforcement structure is used to that container to be allowed to be reconfigured as reservoir from the construction of relatively flat to can be filled with the use of building material Construction.In fig. 7, each of six containers are configured to the construction of relatively flat, in figure 7b, in six containers Each is configured to using construction.From Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B as it can be seen that the height of the container heap with relatively flat construction is obviously small In the height with the container heap using construction.Reservoir and reinforcement structure can respectively include reservoir 3 as described above and add The arbitrary characteristics of strong structure 4.

Container 71 can further comprise allowing to construct material to leave the building material outlet structure of reservoir, can have as The arbitrary characteristics of the upper building material outlet structure 3.Container 71 can further comprise allowing gas into reservoir extremely Few gas inlet arrangements, can have the arbitrary characteristics of gas inlet arrangements 14 as described above.

The volume occupied by the container for using construction can be significantly greater than occupied by the container in relatively flat construction Volume.The volume occupied by the container for using construction is big than volume occupied by the container in relatively flat construction At least 50%.The volume occupied by the container for using construction is than volume occupied by the container in relatively flat construction Big at least 80%.In relatively flat construction, the minimum external dimensions of container can have relatively low value, using constructing, hold The minimum external dimensions of device can have relatively high value.

One in reservoir and reinforcement structure or the two can be folding.In some instances, reinforcement structure packet A pair of of section is included, when container is in using construction, this forms the opposed side walls of cube structure to section, this is in section Each section is folded when container is in flat configuration.In some instances, reinforcement structure includes single piece of material.Show some In example, reinforcement structure is formed by cardboard.

In some instances, reservoir is opposite is flexible, and it is firm that reinforcement structure is opposite.In some instances, when When container is in using construction, reservoir includes at least can for example have generally vertical side wall in filling and non-collapsed state The lower curtate of the upper curtate and convergence do not assembled.It in such examples, may include at least one selected location in upper curtate.? In some examples, reinforcement structure includes the upper curtate that do not assemble that can for example have generally vertical side wall and the lower curtate of convergence.

For be readily transported be in be not filled by state container another example container (not illustrating) may include inner part and Outer portion, inner part are formed by relatively flexible material, and for receiving and keeping building material, outer portion is by relatively rigid material Material is formed, and is arranged in interior portion and is connected to inner part in one or more positions.Another example container can be first It is reconfigured between construction and the second construction, there is relatively low value in the minimum external dimensions of the first construction, container, second In construction container most from childhood external dimensions have relatively high value.

Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B show another example container 81.Container 81 includes reservoir 83, reinforcement structure 84, entrance structure 814 and export structure 813, there can be the arbitrary characteristics of the counter structure of container 81 as described above.Fig. 8 A is in opposite The top view of the container 81 of flat configuration, Fig. 8 B are the partial perspective views of the base terminal in the container 81 using construction.

The shape and material property of reservoir 83 can be with the shapes and material of the reservoir 43 of container 41 as described above It can be identical.For example, reservoir can be formed by the plastic material flexible with low elasticity.By opposed by first pair of reservoir Side wall is inwardly collapsed until they are folded, and is moved towards each other second pair of side wall while being kept substantially straight (that is, expansion), Reservoir is foldable.Be arranged essentially parallel to each edge of each in collapsible opposed side walls and with its equidistant folding Line or folding line can be provided that and help to control how side wall collapses.In fact, when structure is collapsed by will be collapsible Opposed side walls are folded inward along fold line then collapses.Alternatively, when structure is collapsed by will be collapsible Opposed side walls can collapse along fold line outward folding, although flat reservoir may occupy more in this way Large space.Other this fold lines or folding line can be configured for helping to control in a similar manner collapsing.Second pair of side wall it Between distance when reservoir 83 is folded than reservoir 83 be unfolded when may be significantly smaller.The shape of reservoir 83 makes when folding The part for being provided with entrance structure 814 and export structure 813 of reservoir keeps substantially straight.

Shape of the reinforcement structure 84 when using construction is similar to the shape of the reinforcement structure 54 of container 51 as described above, To which reinforcement structure 84 includes the opposed side walls and four that the opposed side walls do not assembled of first pair of top, second pair of top are not assembled The lower sides of a convergence.However, all height of an extension reinforcement structure 84 of top opposed side walls centering are (that is, upper area The combined altitudes of section and lower curtate).Thus the lower end of these side walls extended can cooperate with the substrate of the lower curtate of convergence, so as to Container is supported and held within to straight use orientation.

Reinforcement structure 84 is formed by monolithic cardboard, side panel 841, a pair of side panel not extended extended including a pair 842 (in Fig. 8 A and 8B only have one visible), (wherein each is integrated to the side not extended to a pair of of lower curtate side panel 843 The lower edge of panel 842) and two pairs of lower curtate wing flaps 844 (only a pair of visible in fig. 8 a).The side panel 841 of extension Side panel 842 than not extending has more big height (relative to orientation is used), and the side panel 841 of extension prolongs on that point It stretches.Each lower curtate wing flap in given a pair of lower curtate wing flap 844 is integrated to the different sides of given lower curtate side panel 843 Edge.Various holes 845 are provided in reinforcement structure 84.Hole 845 can be used for receiving fastener, such as that will add in using construction The first part of strong structure is attached to second part and/or for reservoir to be attached to reinforcement structure.Lower curtate side panel and The shape of lower curtate wing flap makes its cooperation, so as to formation pyramid knot (as shown in Figure 8 B) when container 81 is in using construction Structure.Combination between each panel and wing flap is used to allow the angular movement of the axis of the spaced winding junction of engaging portion.

Fig. 8 C shows that the one piece in expansion and unassembled state, reinforcement structure 84 can be formed by the material.From figure 8C is as it can be seen that each of side panel 841 extended includes window 849.In the example that reservoir 83 is formed by transparent material, These windows can be used for the level that viewing includes the building material in reservoir 83.It is also shown, the side panel of each extension 841 include central fold line, folding line or hinge 847.Relatively flat structure of the side panel that these folding lines allow to extend in container 81 It makes and is folded and unfolded using the transition period between construction.One in the side wall 841 of extension have it is another from being not bonded to The long edge of side panel lug 848 outstanding.In order to assemble reinforcement structure, lug 848 be glued or be otherwise attached or It is fastened to the long edge 842a of freedom for the side panel 842 not extended.Continuous loop is consequently formed in material pieces.During group packaging container, Before or after material pieces form ring, reservoir 83 could attach to the material of reinforcement structure 84 at least one selected location Part.

In order to reconfigure to the construction of the relatively flat shown in Fig. 8 A of container 81 shown in Fig. 8 B using construction, extend Side panel 841 be unfolded, this make reinforcement structure 84 use basic cubic shaped.Reservoir 83 can by reservoir 83 with plus Attachment between strong structure 84 is unfolded simultaneously and/or extension.In order to form the Pyramid for assembling lower curtate of reinforcement structure, Be connected to the wing flap 844 of the first lower curtate side panel 843 and the overlapping of the corresponding wing flap 844 of the second lower curtate side panel 843 and with It is attached, as shown in Figure 8 B.The attachment of wing flap 844 for example can be by gluing and/or by the way that fastener is inserted through wing flap 845 In hole 845 realize.In addition wing flap 844 can be attached to reservoir 83 by this fastener.By overturning the above process, container 84 The construction for returning to relatively flat can be reconfigured.

In some instances, container can further comprise for reinforcement structure to be maintained to the support construction using construction. The support construction can be separated when container is in flat configuration with reinforcement structure and reservoir, be connected when container is in using construction It is connected to reinforcement structure.The support construction can be folding.The support construction can construct and using between construction in relatively flat It reconfigures.The shape of support construction can correspond to the shape of reinforcement structure.Support construction may include being shaped as surrounding portion Or the sleeve or box of all reinforcement structures.

The specific example support construction (not illustrating) of container 81 includes the cardboard sleeve of open end, is shaped as tight Mounted in the reinforcement structure 84 using construction.Support construction is cube when using construction, and there are four side panels for tool, often A side panel corresponds to the side panel of reinforcement structure 84.Support construction is folded for the junction between side panel, but side Plate itself can not fold.In relatively flat construction, support construction tool respectively has freely vertical (phase there are two side panel Orientation is used for expected) edge.Free vertical edge is located in the opposite end of the support construction of relatively flat construction.It is right Support construction is reconfigured including being attached together two free vertical edges.It is attached together in free vertical edge Before or after, support construction is arranged around reinforcement structure 84.Support construction, which for example could attach to using glue or fastener, to be added Strong structure 84, or may be alternatively used for by means of rubbing between the side panel of reinforcement structure 84 and the side panel of support construction It wipes contact and surrounds reinforcement structure setting for remaining.The side panel of support construction is relatively rigid, and with reinforcement structure 84 The side panel 841 of extension is not compared to foldable.Therefore support construction can resist the folding of the side panel 841 of extension, thus help It is maintained in by reinforcement structure 84 using construction.

Some example containers of the disclosure can be used for being in the container of occupied state convenient for processing.This show for example, some Example container may include the feature that permission personnel cosily promoted and carried the container.For example, some this example containers may include Convenient for the feature of personnel's inclination, inversion or other modes manipulation container, such as in order to empty building material by hand from the container. It include for the one or several of the container convenient for processing in occupied state below with reference to Fig. 9 to Figure 11 example container described Feature.

Fig. 9 is the perspective view in the example container 91 using orientation.Container 91 can be interchangeable source container 91, the source Container 91 is connected to increasing material manufacturing system so that the increasing material manufacturing system can be from container 91 in the state of at least partly filling Building material is collected, and the source container 91 is to be removed after application, so as to by second or another filled with building material Similar containers replacement.Therefore container 91 can be considered to be 3D printing building containers.In one example, material is constructed for example It is the powder with type and/or particle size as described above.

Container 91 is for keeping building material, and the building material including leaving space in container 91 for allowing to construct material Expect export structure 913.The outer surface of container includes recess portion 941.941 support build material export structure 913 of recess portion.The building material Material export structure can have the arbitrary characteristics of the building material outlet structure of container 1,41,51,61 or 71 as described above.

In some instances, container 91 further comprise for keep building material reservoir (invisible) and around storage The external structure 94 of storage setting.In such examples, building material outlet structure 913 leaves storage for allowing to construct material Device.The reservoir can have the arbitrary characteristics of the counter structure of container 1,41,51,61 or 71 as described above.External structure shape At the outer surface of container, and including the recess portion 94 in outer surface.In the example shown, recess portion is in the top of container 91.Container 91 can further comprise the gas inlet arrangements (not shown) for allowing gas into reservoir, can have as described above The arbitrary characteristics of gas inlet arrangements 14.This gas inlet arrangements can be supported by recess portion 941, such as to be similar to building material The mode of export structure 913.

Recess portion 941 supports export structure 913.External structure may include the arbitrary characteristics with reinforcement structure as described above Reinforcement structure.External structure may include having the support construction of the arbitrary characteristics of support construction as described above.Recess portion 941 makes It is recessed for obtaining a part of top surface (relative to orientation is used) of container 91, and a part of side surface of container is recessed 's.Relative to top surface, recess portion 941 can be located at center, thus two parallel opposeds of the theoretical centerline C of recess portion and top surface Edge is equally spaced.Recess portion 941 can be incorporated at least two sides by upright shoulder, the upper surface that upright shoulder has It is overlapped with the top surface of container.In the example shown, recess portion is limited on three sides by upright shoulder.In any feelings Under condition, two or three upright shoulders be used for protect be located at recess portion in arbitrary structures element and surround recess portion to container 91 into Row is reinforced.Thus the top edge of container is interrupted by recess portion 941.In other examples, recess portion may make a part of top table of container Face be it is recessed but without side surface be it is recessed, thus there are in fact four shoulders around recess portion, or make container A part of side surface be recessed but top surface is not recessed.Recess portion can have substantially square or rectangular parallelepiped form, although its His form is also possible.

The outside of export structure 913 can be comprised in recess portion 941, so that export structure is not from the prominent (example in outer surface Such as, the outside of export structure is maintained in the outer boundary of the square in the corresponding theory of recess portion or rectangular parallelepiped form).One In a little examples, the outside of export structure 913 (and any other structures supported by recess portion 941, such as gas inlet arrangements) It can be integrally incorporated in recess portion 941.This feature can protection exit structure (and any other structures supported by recess portion 941) exist It is against damages during storage, transport or other processing of container 91, and/or the accumulation of container 91 can be convenient for.Shoulder is for surrounding Recess portion reinforces container.In the either side of recess portion there is wide opposed shoulder to be used to provide phase on the top surface of container Deng and uniform support strength, this can help to the accumulation of container.The top surface of export structure 913 can be lower than external structure 94 Top surface, and thus can be lower than the top surface of container 91.The top surface of export structure 913 can be with the top surface of external structure 94 In the same plane, and/or with the top surface of container 91 in the same plane.Export structure relative to container top surface extremely Few two opposed edges can be located at approximate centre position.Export structure can be located at approximate centre relative to the entire top surface of container Position.This can be convenient for effectively taking out building material from container, and can also be convenient for providing on at least either side of container wide Shoulder, to provide uniform support strength, such as on the top surface of container in order to accumulate purpose.

In the example shown, container 91 further comprises a pair of of the handle 942 on opposite sides provided in external structure 94 (only one of them is visible).Handle 942 includes notch (that is, opening in the wall of external structure 94).In other examples, Handle may include recess or be attached to external structure outer surface structure.Handle 942 can be integrally formed with external structure.When When container is in using orientation, handle may include the preceding one third in the total height of container.

The size of external structure can be selected as convenient for man winding and/or carry container 91.For example, external structure 94 exists Width between a pair of of handle 942 can be greater than the depth of external structure, and width and depth are smaller than the height of external structure.Storage The volume of device can be within the scope of 20-70L.The volume of reservoir can be within the scope of 20-100L.In some instances, reservoir Volume is smaller than 20L.In some instances, the volume of reservoir can be greater than 100L.The height of external structure can be 0.3-1m's In range.In some instances, the height of external structure is smaller than 0.3m.In some instances, the height of external structure can be big In 1m.The height of external structure can be within the scope of 0.5-0.75m.The height of external structure can substantially 0.55m.External structure exists Width between handle can be in the range of 0.25-0.5m.Width of the external structure between handle can be in the model of 0.1-0.75m In enclosing.In some instances, width of the external structure between handle is smaller than 0.25m.In some instances, external structure exists Width between handle can be greater than 0.75m.Width of the external structure between handle can substantially 0.3m.The depth of external structure It can be in the range of 0.1-0.75m.In some instances, the depth of external structure is smaller than 0.1m.In some instances, external The depth of structure can be greater than 0.75m.The depth of external structure can be in the range of 0.2-0.5m.The depth of external structure can be substantially For 0.2m.

External structure 94 can be formed by one piece.External structure 94 can be formed by cardboard.Reservoir and external structure One of 94 or the two can be folding.In some instances, reservoir is collapsible, and external structure 94 includes opposite Firm reinforcement structure, at least one reinforcing section to resist reservoir are collapsed.In other examples, reservoir be can It collapses, container 91 further comprises relatively rigid reinforcement structure, to resist at least one reinforcing section of reservoir It collapses.In such examples, reinforcement structure may be provided between reservoir and external structure 94.External structure 94 can be used for allowing Gas enters the space between external structure 94 and reservoir.

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B are shown as the perspective view in another example container 101 using orientation.Container 101 wraps Include reservoir (invisible)；Construct material outlet structure 1013；External structure 104；With recess portion 1041, can have as described above Container 91 counter structure arbitrary characteristics.Container 101 further comprises can be removed for the material being arranged on recess portion 1041 Portion 1043 is defined so that the outside of export structure is enclosed in by the recess portion of external structure 104 and the removable portion 1043 of material Space in.In Figure 10 A, portion 1043 can be removed and be arranged on container 101, in fig. 1 ob, portion 1043 can be removed from container 101 removals.It the removable portion 1043 of material at least can be with external structure one before the removal of container 101 at it.External structure 104 may include cardboard, and the removable portion 1043 of material can be limited by the thinning weak line of perforation line or other modes, so as to In can be removed portion 1043 edge rupture cardboard.Removable portion 1043 can form the top surface of external structure 104 A part.Portion 1043, which can be removed, can form a part of side surface of external structure 104.Can be removed portion 1043 may include convenient for from Container 101 removes the one or several features (for example, notch, protrusion, lug, handle etc.) that portion 1043 can be removed.Any In the case of, portion 1043 (before being removed) can be removed, any element for such as export structure 1013 being located in recess portion is provided Additional Protection.

Figure 11 is the perspective view of another example container 111.Container 111 constructs material for keeping, and including in container A pair of handle 1142 on opposite sides (only one of them is visible).Width of the container between handle 1142 is greater than the depth of container Degree and the height for being less than container.

In some instances, container 111 includes reservoir (invisible)；It constructs material outlet structure (invisible)；With it is outer Portion's structure 114 can have the arbitrary characteristics of the counter structure of container 91 or container 101 as described above.In such examples, This may be provided on the opposite side of external structure handle 1142, and width of the external structure between handle 1142 can be greater than outer The depth of portion's structure and the height for being less than external structure.

Figure 12 is shown when in use for that will construct material supply to 3D printing system via building material removal device 1259 The example container 121 of system 1291.It constructs material removal device 1259 and is connected to container 121 using any appropriate interconnection technique Material outlet structure 1273 is constructed (for example, via the company for providing in export structure 1273 and constructing material removal system 1259 Corresponding magnetic connector on connection member).Container 121 and the structure being included therein can have as described above about container 1, 41,51,61,71,81,91,101 or 111 arbitrary characteristics.3D printing system can be for for generating 3D object using building material Increasing material manufacturing system.3D printing system may include 3D printing portion and individually construct store keeping portion.Alternatively, 3D printing System may include the 3D printing function and building store keeping function merged in individual equipment.Building material removal system can wrap Suction system is included, takes out building material from container via suction.

Figure 13 and Figure 14 is implemented for that will construct the method that material is supplied to 3D printing system 1291 from example container 121 Exemplary flow chart.The example of context is provided referring to figs. 1 to the diagram of Figure 12.However, embodiment is not limited to these examples.

Figure 13 illustrates the exemplary method 1300 that building material is for example supplied to 3D printing system from container.In square 1300, the container (for example, container 131) filled with building material is provided.Constructing material can be new building material.Construct material It can be used building material.Any and institute that container may include manufacture, transport, storage, assembling and/or filling container is provided Have.In some instances, providing container includes basically constructing container to be reconfigured as using construction then with new structure Construction material fills container.There is provided container may include arranging container near or adjacent to 3D printing equipment, as shown in figure 12.Container is provided It may include the connecting elements accessible position that receptacle is removed to system in building material.

It is connected in the building material removal system of square 1302,3D printing device (for example, 3D printing system 1291) The building material outlet structure of container.It may include being cooperated to the connector for the system that removes that removal system, which is connected to export structure, The corresponding connector of export structure.The connector of removal system for example may be provided on the distal end of connecting elements.It is in removal System includes in the example of suction system, and this connecting elements may include vacuum hose.Removal system is connected to export structure can It is included between removal system and export structure and forms air sealing.In some instances, for example, not including in 3D printing device In the example for constructing material removal system, the square can be saved.

In square 1303, material is constructed from container and is transferred to 3D printing device.Transfer building material can be for example including starting The building material of 3D printing device removes system.Transfer building material may include applying to inhale to the inner space of the reservoir of container Power (as shown in the block arrow in Figure 12).Transfer building material may include aspirating to the reservoir of container.It is tied in outlet Structure is not attached in the example of removal system of 3D printing device, and transfer building material may include manual tilt container, thus structure Construction material outflow export structure and the entrance structure for flowing into 3D printing device.Material can continuously be transferred to 3D printing dress from container It sets, until container is sky.For example, if the building material that given 3D printing operation uses is less than comprising building in a reservoir Material, then material can be shifted discontinuously.

Figure 14, which is illustrated, is for example transferred to 3D printing system (for example, 3D is beaten from container (for example, container 121) for building material Print system 1291) exemplary method 1400.A part that exemplary method 1400 can be used as the box 1303 of exemplary method 1300 is held Row.Exemplary method 1400 can be implemented, the container by container (for example, container of the feature with either one or two of container 1,41 or 51) Including for keeping the collapsible reservoir of building material and collapsing at least one reinforcing section for resisting reservoir Relatively rigid reinforcement structure.Exemplary method 1400 can be implemented by 3D printing system, which has suction system shape The building material of formula removes system.

In square 1401, for example, applying suction to the inner space of the reservoir of container.The suction can be stored up via extending to Suction tube in the inner space of storage applies.Thus the suction can be applied to the position at or near the bottom end of reservoir.It should Suction can have predefined size.Predefined size can be based on such as material property of building material, the material property of reservoir, storage The size of device, includes that the factors such as the amount of building material in reservoir are determined at the shape of reservoir.The suction is available Any appropriate technology is generated by suction system.

In square 1402, from container removal the first building material.It may include from storage from container removal the first building material Device removal the first building material.It may include for example being transported under the action of suction by suction tube from container removal the first building material Defeated first building material.It may include forming the air-flow by reservoir (for example, passing through permission from container removal the first building material Gas passes through the gas inlet arrangements entrance of container) and building material is made to enter air-flow.Gas can be air.In some examples In, gas can be the gas except air, such as nitrogen.Gas can be inert gas.In some instances, gas does not include oxygen Gas.It may include being aspirated to the first building material from container removal the first building material.First building material may include including A part of the total amount of building material in reservoir.First building material may include include building material in reservoir Total amount 50% or less.First building material may not include the building material for adhering to the wall of reservoir.First building material Material may not include the building material for including in building material structure.

In square 1403, reservoir is collapsed.So that reservoir is collapsed may include reinforcing one or several of reservoir not Collapse part.So that reservoir is collapsed may include reservoir using collapse part form.Collapse part form can have as described above The arbitrary characteristics about container 1,41,51 and 61.In some instances, reservoir is made to collapse including for example in reservoir Pressure difference is formed between portion and the outside of reservoir, so that the pressure in reservoir is lower than the pressure outside reservoir.Reservoir is set to collapse The pressure difference that contracting may be in response between the inside of reservoir and the outside of reservoir reaches threshold value and occurs.So that reservoir is collapsed can lead The building material for the wall for being adhered to reservoir is removed in cause.So that reservoir is collapsed can lead to the one or several structures for making to construct material Rupture.

In square 1404, from container removal the second building material.From container removal second building material can by with it is calm The identical mode of device removal the first building material executes.Second component material may include include building material in reservoir A part of total amount.Second building material may include remaining all building materials in reservoir after removal the first building material Or essentially all building material.Second building material may include after removal the first building material remaining one in reservoir Divide building material.Second building material may include the building material removed from the wall of reservoir.Second building material may include elder generation Before (that is, before reservoir is collapsed) include building material structure in building material.

In some instances, after executing square 1203, it can drop container in square 1204.Abandoning container may be in response to Detect (for example, by operator or by the automated system of 3D printing device and/or container) container be it is empty or essentially empty and/or Container includes the building material less than threshold quantity and executes.Abandon container may be in response to determine (for example, by operator and/or by The automated system of 3D printing device and/or container) container has refilled threshold number and/or container is damaged and executes.It holds The process is repeated after row square 1204.

In some instances, after executing square 1203, container can be refilled in square 1205.Container is carried out again Filling may be in response to detection (for example, by operator and/or by the automated system of 3D printing device and/or container) container as sky Or essentially empty and/or container includes the building material less than threshold quantity and executes.Refill to container may be in response to really Fixed (for example, by operator and/or by the automated system of 3D printing device and/or container) container has been refilled less than threshold value time Several and/or container is not damaged and executes.Container can be back filled with new building material.Alternatively, container can be back filled with Used building material.After executing square 1204, for example, being refilled but can connect at it if container is not removed The same position of building material removal system has refilled, then can repeat the process from square 1202.Alternatively, for example, such as Fruit container, which has been removed, to be refilled, then the process can be repeated from square 1201.

Although the flow chart of Figure 13 and Figure 14 shows that specific execution sequence, execution sequence may differ from shown.For example, The execution sequence of two or more squares can be upset relative to shown sequence.Moreover, the two or more squares successively shown can Simultaneously or part is performed simultaneously.All these variations are expected.

In previous description, it set forth numerous details to provide to exemplary understanding disclosed herein.It is to be appreciated, however, that Each example can be implemented in the case where without these details.The numerous although it is disclosed that example of limited quantity, but thus repair It is expected for changing with modification.It is intended to the appended claims and covers these modifications and variations.It is quoted from relative to specific element The claim of " one " considers to include at least one this element, has not both needed or be not excluded for two or more this elements.Into One step, term " includes " and "comprising" are used for open transition.

Claims

1. a kind of 3D printing constructs containers, comprising:

For keeping the reservoir of building material；

The building material outlet structure for leaving the reservoir for allowing to construct material；

Around the external structure of reservoir setting, the external structure forms the outer surface of the container and including described outer Recess portion in surface, export structure described in the recess supports.

2. container as described in claim 1, wherein the outside of the export structure is fully contained in the recess portion, from And the export structure is not prominent from the outer surface.

3. container as described in claim 1, wherein the container further comprises the material energy being arranged in above the recess portion Removal portion, so that be enclosed in can the sky that limits of the portion of removal by the external structure and the material for the outside of the export structure Between in.

4. container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the material can remove portion and external structure one.

5. container as described in claim 1, wherein the reservoir can collapse, and the external structure includes using In the relatively rigid reinforcement structure of at least one reinforcing section for resisting the reservoir collapsed.

6. container as described in claim 1, wherein the reservoir can collapse, and the container further comprises being used for The relatively rigid reinforcement structure of at least one reinforcing section of the reservoir collapsed is resisted, the reinforcement structure setting exists Between the reservoir and the external structure.

7. container as described in claim 1, wherein the external structure is formed by one piece.

8. container as described in claim 1, wherein the external structure is formed by cardboard.

9. container as described in claim 1, wherein the external structure is being provided in the on opposite sides of the external structure The distance between a pair of of handle is greater than the depth of the external structure and is less than the height of the external structure.

10. a kind of 3D printing constructs containers, comprising:

For keeping the reservoir of building material；

Around the external structure of reservoir setting, the external structure forms the outer surface of the container；And

Wherein, distance of the external structure between a pair of of the handle on opposite sides for being provided in the external structure is greater than institute It states the depth of external structure and is less than the height of the external structure.

11. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the volume of the reservoir is in the range of 20-70L.

12. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the height of the external structure is in the range of 0.5-1m.

13. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein width of the external structure between the handle is in 0.25- In the range of 0.75m.

14. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the depth of the external structure is in the range of 0.25-0.75m.

15. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein each handle includes opening in the wall of the external structure Mouthful.

16. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein when the container is in using orientation, the handle is included in The preceding one third of the total height of the container.

17. container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the external structure includes the recess portion in the outer surface, described recessed Portion supports the export structure.

18. a kind of for keeping the 3D printing of building material to construct containers, the container includes for allowing to construct material The building material outlet structure of the inner space of the container is left, wherein the outer surface of the container includes recess portion, it is described recessed Portion supports the export structure.

19. a kind of for keeping the 3D printing of building material to construct containers, the container includes in the opposite of the container A pair of of handle on side, wherein width of the container between the handle is greater than the depth of the container and is less than the appearance The height of device.